Sequencing, cloning, transcription - these are but a few key techniques behind the current breathtaking advances in molecular biology and biochemistry. As these methods continuosly diversify, biochemists need a sound chemical understanding to keep the pace. Chemists beginning working in the molecular biology lab need an introduction to this field from their point of view. This book serves both: it describes most of the known chemical reactions of nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids in sufficient detail to provide the desired background, and additionally, the fundamental relations between sequence, structure and functionality of nucleic acids are presented. The first edition of this book, which was published in Russian, has immediately become a recognized standard reference. This second, thoroughly revised and updated edition, now published in English, is likely to achieve a similar position in the international scientific community.

New textbooks at all levels of chemistry appear with great regularity. Some fields like basic biochemistry, organic reaction mechanisms, and chemical ther modynamics are well represented by many excellent texts, and new or revised editions are published sufficiently often to keep up with progress in research. However, some areas of chemistry, especially many of those taught at the grad uate level, suffer from a real lack of up-to-date textbooks. The most serious needs occur in fields that are rapidly changing. Textbooks in these subjects usually have to be written by scientists actually involved in the research which is advancing the field. It is not often easy to persuade such individuals to set time aside to help spread the knowledge they have accumulated. Our goal, in this series, is to pinpoint areas of chemistry where recent progress has outpaced what is covered in any available textbooks, and then seek out and persuade experts in these fields to produce relatively concise but instructive introductions to their fields. These should serve the needs of one semester or one quarter graduate courses in chemistry and biochemistry. In some cases the availability of texts in active research areas should help stimulate the creation of new courses. CHARLES R. CANTOR New York Preface This monograph is based on a review on polynucleotide structures written for a book series in 1976.

Since the discovery of the DNA double helix in 1953, nucleic acids have formed the central theme of much of contemporary molecular science. Recent mastery of nucleic acids synthesis has been the key to the establishment of the biotechnology industry, and our improving knowledge of nucleic acid structures and interactions is considerably influencing the design of novel drugs. The first edition of this book responded to the pressing need for a single volume that integrated the chemistry and biology of the nucleic acids in an introductory yet authoritative text. This second and completely updated edition, which includes a new chapter on techniques applied to nucleic acids, sets the basics of the nucleic acids in the context of the expanding horizons set by modern structural biology, RNA enzymology, drug discovery and biotechnology.

With extensive coverage of synthesis techniques and applications, this text describes chemical biology techniques which have gained significant impetus during the last five years. It focuses on the methods for obtaining modified and native nucleic acids, and their biological applications. Topics covered include: chemical synthesis of modified RNA expansion of the genetic alphabet in nucleic acids by creating new base pairs chemical biology of DNA replication: probing DNA polymerase selectivity mechanisms with modified nucleotides nucleic-acid-templated chemistry chemical biology of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) the interactions of small molecules with DNA and RNA the architectural modules of folded RNAs genesis and biological applications of locked nucleic acid (LNA) small non-coding RNA in bacteria microRNA-guided gene silencing nucleic acids based therapies innate immune recognition of nucleic acid light-responsive nucleic acids for the spatiotemporal control of biological processes DNA methylation frameworks for programming RNA devices RNA as a catalyst: The Diels-Alderase-Ribozyme evolving an understanding of RNA function by in vitro approaches the chemical biology of aptamers: synthesis and applications nucleic acids as detection tools bacterial riboswitch discovery and analysis The Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids is an essential compendium of the synthesis of nucleic acids and their biological applications for bioorganic chemists, chemical biologists, medicinal chemists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists.

This is a fascinating introduction to the topic. Spanning the spectrum of nucleic acid chemistry, carbohydrates, peptides, molecular recognition, biosynthesis and natural biosynthesis, right up to medical and biophysical chemistry, the book provides advanced students and those already working in the field with a balanced overview. In more than 30 contributions, a new generation of recognized scientists gives an account of the latest research in such areas as * Artificial receptors for the stabilization of ß-sheet structures * Carbohydrate recognition by artificial receptors * Combinatorial chemistry as a tool for the discovery of catalysts * The interaction of NO and peroxynitrite with hemoglobin and myoglobin * Inhibitors against human mast-cell-tryptase as a potential approach to conquering asthma * The selectivity of DNA replication. A readily accessible survey for everyone wishing to stay abreast of developments. With a Foreword by Ronald Breslow.

The Sixth Edition of a classic in organic chemistry continues its tradition of excellence Now in its sixth edition, March's Advanced Organic Chemistry remains the gold standard in organic chemistry. Throughout its six editions, students and chemists from around the world have relied on it as an essential resource for planning and executing synthetic reactions. The Sixth Edition brings the text completely current with the most recent organic reactions. In addition, the references have been updated to enable readers to find the latest primary and review literature with ease. New features include: More than 25,000 references to the literature to facilitate further research Revised mechanisms, where required, that explain concepts in clear modern terms Revisions and updates to each chapter to bring them all fully up to date with the latest reactions and discoveries A revised Appendix B to facilitate correlating chapter sections with synthetic transformations

The study of nucleic acids is one of the most rapidly developing fields in modern science. The exceptionally important role of the nucleic acids as a key to the understanding of the nature of life is reflected in the enormous number of published works on the subject, including many outstanding monographs and surveys. The pathways of syn thesis and metabolism of nucleic acid,s and the many and varied biological functions of these biopolymers are examined with the utmost detail in the literature. Nearly as much attention has been paid to the macromolecular chemistry of the nucleic acids: elucidation of the size and shape of their molecules, the study of the physicochemical properties of their solutions, and the appropriate methods to be used in such research. The surveys of the chemistry of nucleic acids which have been published so far deal almost entirely with their synthesis and, in particular, with the synthetic chemistry of monomers (nucleosides and nucleotides) ; less attention has been paid to the synthesis of poly nucleotides. There is yet another highly important aspect of the chemistry of nucleic acids which is still in the formative stage, the study of the reactivity of nucleic acid macromolecules and their components. This can make an important contribution to the deter mination of the structure of these remarkable biopolymers and to the correct understanding of their biological functions.

“There is a continuing demand for up to date organic & bio-organic chemistry undergraduate textbooks. This well planned text builds upon a successful existing work and adds content relevant to biomolecules and biological activity”. -Professor Philip Page, Emeritus Professor, School of Chemistry University of East Anglia, UK “Introduces the key concepts of organic chemistry in a succinct and clear way”. -Andre Cobb, KCL, UK Reactions in biochemistry can be explained by an understanding of fundamental organic chemistry principles and reactions. This paradigm is extended to biochemical principles and to myriad biomolecules. Biochemistry: An Organic Chemistry Approach provides a framework for understanding various topics of biochemistry, including the chemical behavior of biomolecules, enzyme activity, and more. It goes beyond mere memorization. Using several techniques to develop a relational understanding, including homework, this text helps students fully grasp and better correlate the essential organic chemistry concepts with those concepts at the root of biochemistry. The goal is to better understand the fundamental principles of biochemistry. Features: Presents a review chapter of fundamental organic chemistry principles and reactions. Presents and explains the fundamental principles of biochemistry using principles and common reactions of organic chemistry. Discusses enzymes, proteins, fatty acids, lipids, vitamins, hormones, nucleic acids and other biomolecules by comparing and contrasting them with the organic chemistry reactions that constitute the foundation of these classes of biomolecules. Discusses the organic synthesis and reactions of amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and other biomolecules.

The structure, function and reactions of nucleic acids are central to molecular biology and are crucial for the understanding of complex biological processes involved. Revised and updated Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology 3rd Edition discusses in detail, both the chemistry and biology of nucleic acids and brings RNA into parity with DNA. Written by leading experts, with extensive teaching experience, this new edition provides some updated and expanded coverage of nucleic acid chemistry, reactions and interactions with proteins and drugs. A brief history of the discovery of nucleic acids is followed by a molecularly based introduction to the structure and biological roles of DNA and RNA. Key chapters are devoted to the chemical synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides, oligonucleotides and their analogues and to analytical techniques applied to nucleic acids. The text is supported by an extensive list of references, making it a definitive reference source. This authoritative book presents topics in an integrated manner and readable style. It is ideal for graduate and undergraduates students of chemistry and biochemistry, as well as new researchers to the field.